Jessica Cranton

How long have you been involved with Special Olympics?

I have been a Special Olympics athlete for 10 years.

How did you first get involved with Special Olympics and how has it changed your life?

I found Special Olympics figure skating through a google search. Before that google search I didn’t even realize opportunities existed for people just like me.  I had always loved figure skating and watching it with my Nan. My mom took me to public skates all the time. I knew in my heart that I was meant to be a figure skater I just needed the chance to try. That’s how I first got involved.  It has changed my life because Special Olympics has taught me the life lesson that inclusion is magic, friendship is life changing, connection builds strength and sport unites us all.

What is a challenge or barrier that you have overcome?

Before I started skating I had a lot of challenges with anxiety and while I still have those challenges I know how to manage them now and I’m thriving.  Skating really challenged me to seek out help in learning how to manage my anxiety better because skating showed me the value in how hard work could reshape things in a really positive way. I was really convinced for a long time that my anxiety was this barrier I couldn’t overcome but skating showed me otherwise.  Overcoming that challenge really taught me to be proud of myself. I’m still here, I am still learning, still growing, still skating and loving myself. I think that’s one of the most profound things about skating there is always a way forward even when you can’t see it. You just need to slow down and find the right way to look at things.  I had a lot of help in this journey of overcoming and I am so glad to be who I am because of that.

What has been your favourite memory with Special Olympics?

I could write a whole book and maybe I will someday. I’m not even sure which one to choose because Special Olympics has given me the most beautiful memories and moments.  I would say my favorite moment would be standing on the podium with my two best friends in the whole world at Special Olympics National Games is pretty special. We were all just grateful to be there together. They believed in me and I believe in them always.

My proudest moment I would say was getting to hug my family at the Special Olympics Winter Games in Calgary after I finished my performance. My niece was there with my mom watching. My niece and I have a very special relationship. She trains with me on the ice. Hugging her and hearing her say she was proud of me really meant the world to me.

My favorite relationships formed would be my coaches. My coaches have really helped make me into a strong, independent, kind, resilient person and I hope they know how much their support has meant to me. I would not be who I am without them.

What has participating in Special Olympics taught you?

I think the biggest thing sport has taught me is resilience along with the value of connection and how to ask for help.  I can say without sport and skating I probably wouldn’t have found the strength and resilience it takes to help manage my challenges and thrive. I have grown into a strong, kind, resilient and confident person because of skating and my coaches.  Those are skills and values that I use in life everyday that are so impactful that I will never stop talking about how grateful I am.

What does being part of Special Olympics Team Canada mean to you and what is your goal for Turin?

My goal is to perform my heart out on the ice. I am skating to a very special song that is a thank you to my coaches, my family, my friends and to myself for what has been the most breathtaking, connection filled adventure of a lifetime. Being a part of Team Canada means being proud and grateful to get to represent my country and share my story.

What do you want people to know about athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

I think the biggest message I have is that having a disability isn’t a bad thing. It doesn’t make me less. I live a beautiful life filled with people who see my value even if I need extra help sometimes.  People with a disability like me have so much to bring to the table. I am a whole, amazing, fulfilled, brave resilient person. Sure, there are things that I can’t do or achieve but they do not make me less.

What would you say to someone thinking of getting involved in Special Olympics?

My advice would be don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do a sport just because you are different or have challenges. There is always a way to make something you really want to do or accomplish.

My second piece of advice is to find the right people. The right people will support you even when things aren’t easy. The right people will find ways to make sport accessible and work for you, help you chase dreams, cheer you on, become your family and believe in you no matter what. Don’t stop looking till you find those people.  All the medals in the world won’t ever be worth as much as good people who love you for you in the sport that you love with all your heart. Special Olympics helped me find my people who believe in me, and I know if you join you will find your people too.